As episode No. 5 of “The Ultimate Fighter 17″ opens the teams are discussing this week’s matchup, which sees Team Jones Robert “Bubba” McDaniel against Team Sonnen’s Kelvin Gastelum. It was Team Jones’ pick, and head coach Jon Jones admits it was because they thought Kelvin was the weakest link on the team. Kelvin’s coach, Chael Sonnen, surprises his fighter with a call from UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, who wishes him luck and says with a win she’ll come out for a training session.

Afterward, the two coaches meet in the hallway for a quick chat. It’s Chael initiating the discussion, and Jon doesn’t seem especially pleased by the interaction. Still, he tries to remain fairly cordial. Meanwhile, Team Sonnen’s Luke Barnatt isn’t exactly impressed by Bubba’s choice of fights. Bubba is one of the most experienced fighters on the show, and he’s facing the youngest fighter on the cast.

Back at the house, it’s time for a friendly game of charades. Gilbert Smith catches some grief for his choice of attire (or lack thereof). Bubba doesn’t join in, choosing instead to sit outside and focus on what lies ahead. He recounts his path to “TUF,” which hasn’t been without challenges along the way. Still, he credits the sport of MMA for saving his life. Meanwhile, Kelvin also preps for the fight and discusses the rigors of his non-stop work and training schedule back home.

Kelvin is the underdog in the bout, and everyone seems to know it. But Team Sonnen stands behind their guy, and Chael delivers a solid motivational speech. Sure, it’s followed by a silly schtick routine for the cameras, but the honest stuff does show Chael’s passion as a coach.

At Team Jones’ practice, Josh Samman reveals he’s dealing with several lingering injuries and doesn’t want to be picked next should the crew keep control of the selection after the fight. Jon seems to be receptive of his decision, but the remainder of the coaching staff believes the team needs to be weary of allowing the fighters to exercise too much power in the direction of the team as a whole.

At Team Sonnen practice, Randy Couture stops by to help out at practice. Obviously, it’s the clinch game the session centers on, but he sits them down for a mental check, as well. Afterward, it’s time for weigh-ins. Bubba weighs 184 pounds. Kelvin is 186, and we’ve got a fight, even if some people seem to think it’s going to be one-sided.

Round 1 – Referee Chris Tognoni oversees the matchup. Kelvin takes the center, and when Bubba rushes in to strike, he’s tossed to the floor. Kelvin takes the top before Bubba kicks him away and moves back to the feet. It doesn’t stay there long in a fast-paced start, and Kelvin again takes the dominant posture. Bubba works to his knees, and he sweeps to top position. Kelvin turns to his knees, and Bubba moves to his back. Chael begs for him to stand, but Bubba moves in further on the back. Kelvin continues to move and roll, and he finally gets to his feet, at which point he hits a slick roll that takes him to the top once again. Bubba proves hard to control, and he looks for an armbar. It doesn’t come, but he sweeps to mount and then around to the back. Somehow, the wily Kelvin gets free again and transitions to the dominant position. He absolutely can’t control it though, and Bubba hits another sweep. Kelvin answers again before the bell, and this fight has been anything but one-sided.

Round 2 – The pair exchanges strikes on the feet to open the second before Bubba misses a toss and winds up on his back. Bubba continues to spin and roll, and he moves to top when Kelvin latches his neck and misses on the choke. Bubba moves around to the back, but he’s very on the body, and Kelvin eventually shakes him off. It’s transition after transition between the two fighters. Kelvin again tries to grab the neck, and Chael begs him not to give up his dominant position. They continue to move and roll, and Kelvin wants the choke. Chael seems worried, but this time Kelvin makes sure he keeps the legs in control of the body, and he sinks in the rear-naked choke. Bubba wants to tap, and his eyes show the panic of being trapped. The choke is in, and Bubba relents.

Back in the locker room, Bubba is in tears. Jon reminds him the wild card is on the line, but it’s not much consolation for the time being. It’s a different feeling in the Team Sonnen room, as Ronda congratulates Kelvin via phone and promises to come by for the training session.

Team Sonnen now gets to choose next week’s matchup, and they take fourth pick Tor Troeng and match him with Team Jones’ No. 2 selection Josh Samman.

Catch new episodes of “The Ultimate Fighter 17: Team Jones vs. Team Sonnen” every Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET on FX. MMAjunkie.com recaps each episode of the reality series.

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